Module Descriptors
PRE-MASTERS STUDY SKILLS FOR BUSINESS IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
OPSM60009
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Stephen Kelly
Email: Stephen.Kelly@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 75%
- REPORT weighted at 25%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module introduces students to the skills required to study as postgraduate level through investigation into the political, economic, social and technological contexts of business in an international context, and how their operations are affected by these forces. To do this it covers both business and study skills content:
Business:
- The basic forms, functions, structures and processes of business organisations
- The micro and macro environments of business and the key influencing factors including globalisation
- Approaches to and elements of organisation design
- Introduction to internal and external cultural influences on organisation
- Political, economic, social and technological influences on organisations
Study Skills:
The development of study skills, research skills and referencing, developing lines of argument and enquiry, written communication skills (e.g. report writing), managing time and assignment techniques (including Harvard referencing). Participants will be introduced into relevant approaches and how to reflect upon their own understandings from their reading and own writing considering criteria such as conclusions, reasons, assumptions and indicator words.
Business:
- The basic forms, functions, structures and processes of business organisations
- The micro and macro environments of business and the key influencing factors including globalisation
- Approaches to and elements of organisation design
- Introduction to internal and external cultural influences on organisation
- Political, economic, social and technological influences on organisations
Study Skills:
The development of study skills, research skills and referencing, developing lines of argument and enquiry, written communication skills (e.g. report writing), managing time and assignment techniques (including Harvard referencing). Participants will be introduced into relevant approaches and how to reflect upon their own understandings from their reading and own writing considering criteria such as conclusions, reasons, assumptions and indicator words.
Module Learning Strategies
The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment) of this there will be 36 hours of class support through formal lectures and tutorials and 114 hours of independent and self directed study.
Module Resources
Business Library
Internet
PC with `Office' software
Internet
PC with `Office' software
Module Texts
Capon, C., (2004) Understanding Organisational Context, 2nd Edition, FT Prentice Hall, ISBN 0273631632
Boddy, D (2010) Management: An Introduction, 5th Edition, London, Financial Times/Prentice Hall. ISBN-10: 02732738968 or ISBN-13:978-0273738961
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students, 5th Edition. Pearson Education. ISBN 0273716867
Cottrell, S (2008) The Study Skills Handbook, Palgrave
Peck, J and Coyle, M. (2005) The Students Guide to Writing, Palgrave ISBN 978403997388
Boddy, D (2010) Management: An Introduction, 5th Edition, London, Financial Times/Prentice Hall. ISBN-10: 02732738968 or ISBN-13:978-0273738961
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students, 5th Edition. Pearson Education. ISBN 0273716867
Cottrell, S (2008) The Study Skills Handbook, Palgrave
Peck, J and Coyle, M. (2005) The Students Guide to Writing, Palgrave ISBN 978403997388
Module Additional Assessment Details
An individual assignment, a project report of 2000 words, weighted 75% (Tests learning outcomes 1,2,4)
A 500 word reflective report, weighted 25% (Test learning outcome 3)
Students are required to pass all elements of the assessment for this module.
A 500 word reflective report, weighted 25% (Test learning outcome 3)
Students are required to pass all elements of the assessment for this module.